Little Jr. Named to the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award announced Wednesday afternoon that Ohio State's safety Earl Little Jr. was named to the award's 2026 watch list.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recognizes the nation's best defensive back in college football, with 35 players elected to its preseason watch list. These athletes showcase tremendous performances on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after Jim Thorpe, who is regarded as history's greatest all-around athlete.

Little Jr. joined Ohio State after playing two seasons at Florida State and two seasons Alabama. In his last year with the Seminoles, Little Jr. recorded 76 tackles, four interceptions for 83 yards, two forced fumbles, 2.0 tackles for loss and two pass breakups in 12 games, starting in 11. He ended the regular season ranked fourth in the ACC and 16th nationally for total interceptions and had the most interceptions for a Seminole since 2021.

Last season, the Buckeye's defense was ranked number one in the country, with safety Caleb Downs being a leader on that defense. This helped Downs earn the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award and become the third recipient of the award from Ohio State.

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Process

The preseason watch list names 35 of the country's best defensive backs, who continue to be evaluated throughout the season. From this group of 35 athletes, a group of semifinalists are announced on October 27, 2026 with the finalists being named on November 24, 2026. The winner of the award is announced on December 11, 2026 at The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN.

Ohio State Preseason Honors

Phil Steele:
- Six Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.
Athlon Sports:
- Seven Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.
Walter Camp:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and redshirt junior offensive lineman Austin Siereveld were placed on the first team while redshirt sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was listed as a preseason second team selection by the organization.
Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
- Jermaine Mathews Jr.
AFCA Good Works Nominees:
- Jaylen McClain
- Head coach Ryan Day
Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000
- Ohio State football had 19 players selected to the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000. The list includes a representative from almost every position room at Ohio State including five defensive lineman, four offensive linemen, three safeties and three wide receivers.
Big Ten Preseason Honors List:
- Julian Sayin
- Jeremiah Smith
Maxwell Preseason Watch List:
Mannelly Preseason Watch List:
- Dalton Riggs
Outland Trophy Watch List:
Nagurski Watch List:
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
  - Jaylen McClain
Mackey Award Watch List:
- Hunter Welcing
Sporting News Preseason All-Americans:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld were listed on the second team.
Rimington Trophy Watch List:
- Carson Hinzman
Lou Groza Watch List:
- Connor Hawkins
Hornung Award Watch List:
- Brandon Inniss
On3 Preseason All-Americans:
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery was listed on the second team and Austin Siereveld was placed on the third team.
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List:
- Jaylen McClain
Lombardi Award

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